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The History of Bedford Park

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In 1881 the Council acquired 61 acres of land when the medieval St. John's Hospital estate founded by Robert de Parys was wound up by an Act of Parliament. The surplus land was released for building development in Clapham Road, De Parys Avenue and Park Avenue with the proceeds paying for the lay-out of the Park.

In 1882 the contract for the design of the park was awarded to Baron & Sons, of Derby.  The contract was to make carriage drives, plant shrubs, excavate the lake, lay turf and seed pastures for the sum of 7,000 with the work commencing in 1883. Some 18,000 shrubs and trees were planted and the park was opened to the public in 1888 when the imposing ornamental gates were unlocked by the Marquis of Tavistock on Wednesday 11th July. The Park Caf, or as it was then called the Refreshment Pavilion, was open from the inauguration day. The West Lodge (399.10s) and Gates (350) were paid for by public subscription, the bandstand was built c1892 while the cricket pavilion was built in the early 1900s. Originally there were just two entrances to the park, the main entrance by De Parys Avenue and the entrance on the bend of Park Avenue. The park was totally enclosed by iron railings until these were removed during the Second World War for war material.

In August 1914 men of the 51st Highland Division began to arrive in Bedford, with the numbers reaching at one time 22,000 for military training before leaving for France in May of 1915.  The Highlanders erected a cookhouse in the park and some of their training was carried out there while leisure events such as Highland dancing competitions were also held in the park. Also during The First World War, rows of temporary army huts were built where the tennis courts now are, housing WAACS and Royal Engineers.

In 1916 The County Show was held in the park for the first time and continued to be held there for a number of years.

In the summer of 1966, 27th June to 2nd July a pageant was held in Bedford Park to celebrate the granting of its charter in 1166, The pageant was in ten episodes and covered most of Bedfords history, with the first episode being "The Coming of the Danes" and the last "Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee" with Dorian Williams as pageant master.

The Robinson Pool was donated to the town by David Robinson millionaire philanthropist who stipulated that the pool was to be built in Bedford Park. The pool was opened on the 25^th October 1969 at a cost of 350,000.

Sources

• Newspaper Cuttings Collection, Local Studies Library, Bedford Central Library

• SHELTON, P.  A Guide to Bedford Park.  1988.

The History of Bedford Park, by Bedfordshire Libraries, 2010

Page last updated: 22nd January 2014